Angle Conversion: Why We Need It, and How It Works
Imagine you're measuring the length of a table. You could use centimetres, inches, or feet — all are valid, but the number changes depending on which unit you pick. The same idea applies to angles. An angle is a measure of rotation or opening between two lines, and we have different units to describe that same physical turn.
The two most important units you'll meet are degrees and radians. Degrees are what you likely already know: a full circle is 360∘. Radians are less familiar but far more natural in mathematics — they're based on the geometry of the circle itself.
The Intuition: What Is a Radian?
Take a circle of radius r. Now walk along the circumference a distance equal to r. The angle you've swept out at the centre is 1 radian.
Note
A radian is the angle that subtends an arc length equal to the radius.
If the arc length s=r, then the angle θ=1 radian.
So radians directly connect the angle to the arc length:
θ (in radians)=rs
This is why radians are the "natural" unit — they come from the circle's own geometry, not an arbitrary number like 360.
The Key Relationship
A full circle is 360∘. In radians, a full circle is the circumference divided by the radius:
r2πr=2π radians
So the fundamental conversion is:
360∘=2π radians
From this, you get the two conversion factors you'll use constantly:
1∘=180π radians
1 radian=π180∘
How to Convert: Two Simple Steps
Degrees to radians: Multiply by 180π.
Example: Convert 60∘ to radians.
60∘×180π=18060π=3π radians
Radians to degrees: Multiply by π180∘.
Example: Convert 65π radians to degrees.
65π×π180∘=65×180∘=150∘
Tip
Memorise these common conversions — they appear constantly:
Degrees are fine for everyday use (a right angle is 90∘, easy). But in calculus, physics, and advanced trigonometry, radians are essential. Here's why:
The derivative of sinx is cosxonly if x is in radians. In degrees, you'd get an ugly constant factor.
Arc length and area formulas become simple: s=rθ, A=21r2θ — these only work with radians.
Many natural phenomena (like oscillations, waves, circular motion) are described cleanly using radians.
Watch out
When you see trigonometric functions in calculus or physics problems, assume the angle is in radians unless explicitly stated otherwise. Using degrees will give wrong answers.
A Quick Reference Table
Degrees
Radians (exact)
Radians (approx)
0∘
0
0
30∘
6π
0.524
45∘
4π
0.785
60∘
3π
1.047
90∘
2π
1.571
180∘
π
3.142
270∘
23π
4.712
360∘
2π
6.283
The Bottom Line
Angle conversion is just changing units — like converting metres to feet. The key is remembering that 360∘=2π radians. Practice converting a few angles both ways, and it becomes second nature. In exams, always check which unit the problem expects, and if you're using a calculator, make sure it's in the correct mode (DEG or RAD).
Converting between degrees and radians is one of the first skills established in the NCERT Class 11 Mathematics chapter on Trigonometric Functions, and "degree to radian conversion formula and examples" is a heavily searched revision topic for CBSE boards and JEE Main/NEET preparation. Since calculus formulas only hold true in radians, this conversion is a prerequisite that appears repeatedly in "trigonometry important questions" across competitive exams.
Concept: Angle Conversion — multiply degrees by 180π to get radians.
(i)25∘
25×180π=18025π=365π
(ii)−47∘30′
30′=0.5∘, so −47.5∘
−47.5×180π=−36095π=−7219π
(iii)240∘
240×180π=180240π=34π
(iv)520∘
520×180π=180520π=926π
✓Final answer
The radian measures are 365π, −7219π, 34π, and 926π respectively.
To convert degrees to radians, multiply by 180π. The results are: (i) 365π,
(ii) −7219π,
(iii) 34π,
(iv) 926π.
The core idea is simple: degrees and radians are just two different rulers for measuring the same thing — angles. The conversion factor comes from the fact that a full circle is 360∘ in degrees and 2π radians in radians. So 360∘=2π rad, which simplifies to 180∘=π rad. That single equality is the key.
From 180∘=π rad, we get the conversion factor: 1∘=180π rad. So to convert any angle from degrees to radians, you multiply the degree measure by 180π. That's the entire recipe.
Watch out
A common mistake is to use π180 instead of 180π. Remember: degrees are larger than radians (one degree is about 0.0175 rad), so when you convert degrees to radians, the number should get smaller. Multiplying by 180π (which is about 0.0175) does exactly that.
Now let's apply this to each case.
For 25∘
Multiply by 180π:
25∘=25×180π rad=18025π rad
Simplify the fraction. Both 25 and 180 are divisible by 5:
18025π=365π rad
So 25∘ is 365π radians.
For −47∘30′
The negative sign just means the angle is measured clockwise; the conversion works the same way. First, handle the minutes. 30′ means 30 minutes of arc, and 1∘=60′, so 30′=6030∘=0.5∘.
Therefore, −47∘30′=−47.5∘.
Now convert:
−47.5∘=−47.5×180π rad=−18047.5π rad
To avoid decimals, write 47.5=295:
−295×180π=−36095π
Simplify by dividing numerator and denominator by 5:
−36095π=−7219π rad
So −47∘30′ is −7219π radians.
For 240∘
Multiply:
240∘=240×180π rad=180240π rad
Simplify. Both 240 and 180 are divisible by 60:
180240π=34π rad
So 240∘ is 34π radians.
For 520∘
Multiply:
520∘=520×180π rad=180520π rad
Simplify. Divide numerator and denominator by 20:
180520π=926π rad
So 520∘ is 926π radians.
Tip
When simplifying, always look for the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the degree number and 180. For 520 and 180, the GCD is 20, so dividing both by 20 gives the simplest fraction immediately.
Same / Similar Concept — real previous-year questions on the same or a closely similar concept, not this exact question.
TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-11-FN1 markMCQ
Q.If ω is the complex cube root of unity, then (−2+2i3−i)20=
(A) ω
(B) ω−ω2
(C) ω2
(D) −ω
›Reveal solutionSolution
To evaluate the complex expression raised to a power, we first convert the numerator and denominator into polar form. Then, we perform the division and apply De Moivre's Theorem for the power. The final result simplifies to −ω.
The most effective way to handle powers of complex numbers, especially when they are in a fractional form, is to convert them into their polar form. This allows us to use De Moivre's Theorem, which simplifies the process of raising a complex number to a power and also makes division straightforward. We will then relate the final result to the complex cube roots of unity.
Here's how we approach this problem:
Convert the numerator to polar form:
Let z1=3−i.
The real part is x1=3 and the imaginary part is y1=−1.
The modulus r1 is given by r1=x12+y12.
r1=(3)2+(−1)2=3+1=4=2
The argument $\theta_1$ is found using $\tan\theta_1 = \frac{y_1}{x_1} = \frac{-1}{\sqrt{3}}$. Since $x_1 > 0$ and $y_1 < 0$, $z_1$ lies in the fourth quadrant.
The principal argument is $\theta_1 = -\frac{\pi}{6}$.
So, $z_1 = 2\left(\cos\left(-\frac{\pi}{6}\right) + i\sin\left(-\frac{\pi}{6}\right)\right)$.
2. Convert the denominator to polar form:
Let z2=−2+2i.
The real part is x2=−2 and the imaginary part is y2=2.
The modulus r2 is given by r2=x22+y22.
r2=(−2)2+(2)2=2+2=4=2
The argument $\theta_2$ is found using $\tan\theta_2 = \frac{y_2}{x_2} = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{-\sqrt{2}} = -1$. Since $x_2 < 0$ and $y_2 > 0$, $z_2$ lies in the second quadrant.
The principal argument is $\theta_2 = \pi - \frac{\pi}{4} = \frac{3\pi}{4}$.
So, $z_2 = 2\left(\cos\left(\frac{3\pi}{4}\right) + i\sin\left(\frac{3\pi}{4}\right)\right)$.
3. Divide the complex numbers in polar form:
Let Z=z2z1. When dividing complex numbers in polar form, we divide their moduli and subtract their arguments.
Z=r2r1(cos(θ1−θ2)+isin(θ1−θ2))
Z=22(cos(−6π−43π)+isin(−6π−43π))
Calculate the argument:
−6π−43π=−122π−129π=−1211π
So, $Z = \cos\left(-\frac{11\pi}{12}\right) + i\sin\left(-\frac{11\pi}{12}\right)$.
4. Apply De Moivre's Theorem for the power:
We need to calculate Z20.
> [!FORMULA]
> De Moivre's Theorem states that for any complex number z=r(cosθ+isinθ) and any integer n,
> zn=rn(cos(nθ)+isin(nθ)).
In our case, $r=1$ and $n=20$.
Z20=(cos(−1211π)+isin(−1211π))20
Z20=cos(20⋅(−1211π))+isin(20⋅(−1211π))
Z20=cos(−12220π)+isin(−12220π)
Simplify the angle:
−12220π=−355π
To find the principal argument, we can add multiples of $2\pi$:
−355π=−354π−3π=−18π−3π
Since $\cos(\theta + 2k\pi) = \cos\theta$ and $\sin(\theta + 2k\pi) = \sin\theta$ for any integer $k$, we can write:
cos(−18π−3π)+isin(−18π−3π)=cos(−3π)+isin(−3π)
Using the identities $\cos(-x) = \cos x$ and $\sin(-x) = -\sin x$:
Z20=cos(3π)−isin(3π)
Substitute the values of $\cos(\pi/3)$ and $\sin(\pi/3)$:
Z20=21−i23
Relate the result to complex cube roots of unity:
The complex cube roots of unity are 1,ω,ω2.
We know that ω=ei2π/3=cos(32π)+isin(32π)=−21+i23.
And ω2=ei4π/3=cos(34π)+isin(34π)=−21−i23.
Our result is 21−i23.
Let's check the options:
(A) ω=−21+i23
(B) ω−ω2=(−21+i23)−(−21−i23)=i3
(C) ω2=−21−i23
(D) −ω=−(−21+i23)=21−i23
Our calculated value matches −ω.
✓Final answer
The value of the expression is −ω.
TG EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-10-FN1 markMCQ
Q.The approximate value of sec59∘ obtained by taking 1∘=0.0174 and 3=1.732 is
(A) 1.9849
(B) 1.8493
(C) 1.9397
(D) 1.9948
›Reveal solutionSolution
We approximate sec59∘ using a linear approximation (differential) of secx near 60∘, because 59∘ is close to 60∘ and we know sec60∘=2. The result is about 1.9397, matching option (C).
The key idea is that when we need the value of a trigonometric function at an angle close to one we know exactly, we can use the linear approximation (or differentials).
Here, 59∘ is just 1∘ less than 60∘, and we know sec60∘=2 exactly.
The derivative of secx tells us how fast secx changes near 60∘, so we can estimate the small drop from 2 to sec59∘.
Convert the angle difference to radians
Since calculus formulas require radians, we convert 1∘ to radians using the given approximation:
1∘=0.0174 radians.
So the change in angle is Δx=−0.0174 (negative because 59∘ is smaller than 60∘).
Recall the derivative of secx
dxd(secx)=secxtanx.
This tells us the instantaneous rate of change of secx at any x.
Evaluate the derivative at x=60∘ (in radians)
First, 60∘=3π radians. We know:
sec60∘=cos60∘1=1/21=2,
tan60∘=3≈1.732.
Hence,
dxd(secx)x=60∘=2×1.732=3.464.
Apply the linear approximation formula
For a small change Δx,
sec(60∘+Δx)≈sec60∘+(dxdsecx)Δx.
Here Δx=−0.0174, so
sec59∘≈2+(3.464)(−0.0174).
Compute the correction
3.464×0.0174=3.464×(1.74×10−2)=(3.464×1.74)×10−2.
First, 3.464×1.74:
3.464×1.7=5.8888
3.464×0.04=0.13856
Sum = 6.02736
So 3.464×0.0174≈0.06027.
Thus the correction is −0.06027.
Final approximation
sec59∘≈2−0.06027=1.93973.
Rounded to four decimal places, this is 1.9397.
Tip
A common mistake is forgetting to convert degrees to radians before using the derivative. If you used Δx=−1 (in degrees), you'd get a wildly wrong answer. Always use radians for calculus.
Watch out
Another pitfall: using secx=1/cosx and approximating cos59∘ separately can introduce more error. The direct derivative method is cleaner and more accurate for small angles.